CINCINNATI -- Gary Clark had 14 points, seven rebounds and six assists on Wednesday night and Cincinnati avoided a late challenge to beat Houston 70-59.

Cincinnati (13-5, 3-2 American) had a 12-point lead at the half and stretched it to 16 with just under 14 minutes to go. Houston closed within 59-56 at 5:37 left but got no closer.

Kevin Johnson's 3-pointer pushed the lead back to six, Clark added a tip-in and two free throws, and the Bearkats closed on an 11-3 run and snapped Houston's five-game winning streak.

Johnson had four 3-pointers with 15 points, Farad Cobb scored 14 and Octavius Ellis had 13 points and 13 rebounds.

LeRon Barnes made 5 of 6 from 3-point range and led the Cougars (13-3, 3-1) with 17 points. Galen Robinson Jr. added 13 points and Damyean Dotson grabbed 11 rebounds.